This family-friendly event’s purpose is to raise awareness for Earth
Day and raise funds for Black Warrior Riverkeeper, a citizen-based
nonprofit clean water advocacy organization. Black Warrior Riverkeeper
is dedicated to improving public health, recreation, and wildlife
habitat throughout Alabama’s 17-county Black Warrior River watershed,
which provides approximately half of Birmingham’s drinking water.

Earthbound’s Earthfest is open to all ages, but those under age 21
must be accompanied by a parent. Throughout the event, Earthbound – and a
special mystery guest – will play several sets. Avondale Brewery’s
large outdoor area will also feature displays and merchandise from Black
Warrior Riverkeeper and local artists.

There will be no mandatory entrance fee. Suggested donations from
the audience, plus proceeds from merchandise, beer, and raffle ticket
sales, will support Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s efforts to protect local
waterways and Birmingham’s drinking water supply. Corporate sponsors
continue to roll in, with Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. and
their award winning water treatment partner, MacLellan, Inc. in the
lead.

Avondale Brewery, along with the Forest Park / South Avondale
Neighborhood Association, the Birmingham City Council, and numerous
other organizations and businesses, have publicly urged the University
of Alabama System’s Trustees to refuse to lease or sell their vast
property for the proposed Shepherd Bend Mine.
That coal mine would discharge pollutants 800 feet from the Birmingham
Water Works Board’s Mulberry Fork intake, which provides drinking water
to 200,000 people in the greater Birmingham area. Black Warrior
Riverkeeper will provide information and displays about Shepherd Bend
and other issues affecting local water resources.

To view an aerial photo by Nelson Brooke of the proposed Shepherd
Bend Mine site, the Black Warrior’s Mulberry Fork, and the Birmingham
Water Works’ intake, click here.